A Southampton care service which provides support to adults with autism has gone from being rated ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

The CQC’s report on Oakhurst Lodge, on Lyndhurst Road, Southampton, praised the high standard of care offered and highlighted many areas of positive practice.

Part of the Cygnet Social Care division, Oakhurst lodge offers an eight-bed specialist residential service for adults with autism and who ‘may present with behaviours that challenge’.

Within the report the CQC inspector said: “At our last inspection in May 2023, we found breaches of the regulations in relation to person-centred care, need for consent, safe care and treatment, safeguarding, good governance, and staffing.

“At this assessment we found improvements had been made and the provider was now meeting regulations."

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They added: “Staff worked well together, and with professionals both internally and externally to the home which benefited the people they were supporting.

“We observed people being communicated with, using their preferred methods, and given choices. There was an open activity cupboard with lots of options for activities.”

The latest inspection was carried between June 4 to July 4 and families spoken to as part of the inspection said their loved ones appeared happy at the service and were well looked after by staff.

Cygnet Social Care Service manager Laura Brooks said she was proud of her team for their dedication and commitment to delivering a first-class service to residents.

She added: “I want to say a huge congratulations to the team at Oakhurst Lodge and thank you to everyone at Cygnet Social Care who helped along the way.

“Through hard work and determination we are able to celebrate a fantastic CQC report and I am so happy that the quality of care we deliver has been recognised by the regulator.

“The service has a bright future ahead and we are all committed to ensuring residents and their needs are put first at all times and that we continue to offer care which helps them lead the best lives possible.”